Four months, Over 1000 illegal Migrants for TCI 

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, April 17, 2023 – Three and a half months into the year a number of migrants detained by Turks and Caicos Authorities trying to sneak into the country since the beginning of 2023 has surpassed the 1000 mark numbering at least 1,103 with the latest interception.

Police found 147 migrants on the boat in question Friday morning after it was seen heading to uninhabited West Caicos which lies just miles from bustling Providenciales, the usual spot for migrant boats to target. It’s not the first time that boats chock full of irregular migrants have sped towards the island. As usual the vast majority of those detained were men, numbering 121, and the other 26 migrants were women.

Based on cost figures shared by the Immigration Ministry earlier this year it will cost taxpayers  $323,400 to repatriate the migrants or $2,200 per person.

Police say this is their 11th interception.  Magnetic Media has recorded 10 interception reports from authorities however.

In February, Police rounded up dozens who were hiding on the island during a land based operation. Along with that land interception, there have been nine others reported at sea.

The instability in Haiti continues to be a major factor in the inflow of irregular migrants into the Turks and Caicos.